10 FAQs by WES Applicants About Educational Credential Assessments ECAS for Canada Immigration

3323

WES applicants for Canadian immigration must submit their highest completed credential for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove equivalency to Canadian standards. Valid for five years, the process requires university-sealed transcripts, generally takes 35-60 days to process, and is mandatory for Express Entry points. 

Here are 10 top FAQs about the WES ECA process:
  • Q) Which credential do I need to assess?
  • IRCC only requires assessment of your highest completed foreign credential (e.g., Master’s) to determine points.
  • Q) How long does a WES ECA remain valid?
  • A WES ECA report for immigration purposes is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
  • Q) Does my spouse need an ECA?
  • Yes, if your spouse is coming to Canada and you wish to claim points for their education under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
  • Q) Do I need to send a hard copy to IRCC?
  • No, WES sends the report directly to IRCC electronically; you only need the reference number for your Express Entry profile.
  • Q) How are transcripts sent to WES?
  • Transcripts must be sent directly from your institution to WES in a sealed envelope, or sent electronically through verified channels.
  • Q) How long does the WES evaluation process take?
  • Standard processing time is 35-45 business days after receiving all documents, though it may take up to 60 days.
  • Q) Do I need an ECA for Canadian education?
  • No, if you completed your education in Canada, an ECA is not required.
  • Q) How can I add another recipient (like a PNP office)?
  • You can add recipients through your online WES account, which allows you to send the report to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offices.
  • Q) What if my documents are not in English?
  • WES does not translate, but requires official word-for-word, professional translations of documents not in English.
  • Q) How can I renew my expired ECA?
  • You can order an additional copy/renewal through your WES account to extend the validity for another 5 years.

Free Career Counselling